Goose Lake State Forest Campground

Star4.59
63 reviews
Goose Lake State Forest Campground
Summer Destination
Featured in:RV Camping Michigan

Quick Facts

1,280 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan DNR site

Official Website
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Goose Lake State Forest Campground
No fees available
Campsite Fees
Rustic lakeside campsites with basic amenities (vault toilets, hand pump/rustic water, no electric or sewer hookups). One visitor review reported a...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Michigan
Provider
(231) 775-7911
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What Campers Say

4.59

Top-Rated

Based on 63 reviews

54 Google reviews

Most mentioned

waterlakesites

Some mention

noisemosquitoes

"Reviewers commonly praise Goose Lake State Forest Campground as a peaceful, scenic, rustic lakeside campground with good fishing and pleasant, uncrowded sites tucked in mature woods."

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Campground Map

Goose Lake State Forest Campground

Goose Lake State Forest Campground

44.3569, -85.2432

Driving directionsAbout 2.5 miles northwest of Lake City via M-42, Randall Road, Almoses Road, Goose Lake Road and Green Road.
Accessible from M-42 with local county roads; access road and interior drives can be narrow and rough (review reports).
Nearby places
Lake City ~2.5 miles
Long Lake ~0.25 mile west
Lake Missaukee ~2 miles south.

Best Time to Camp at Goose Lake State Forest Campground

Summer brings the campground to life, especially on holiday weekends when all 30 sites fill quickly—savvy campers arrive early Friday to claim their spot. The season also brings Michigan's infamous mosquitoes and deer flies, so pack your bug spray and consider a screened shelter for comfortable evenings. Even in July and August, temperatures can dip surprisingly cool once the sun sets over the lake, making a warm hoodie or extra blanket essential for cozy campfires under the stars.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer is prime: paddling, fishing and swimming; sites fill up on holiday weekends.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Mature hardwoods suggest good fall color and quieter conditions; not explicitly detailed.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring access likely but watch for insects and soggy conditions; facilities remain basic.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Review mentions poor winter conditions (low snow) and nuisances; not recommended for winter activities.

Planning Tips

    About Goose Lake State Forest Campground

    Escape to the peaceful shores of Goose Lake, where 30 rustic campsites nestle beneath a canopy of towering trees in Missaukee County. This secluded, first-come, first-served gem offers the perfect blend of lakeside tranquility and old-school camping charm, with vault toilets, basic water access, and direct access to excellent paddling and fishing waters—all managed by nearby Mitchell State Park.
    Rustic state forest campground primarily for tent camping and small trailers, with lakeside sites.
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    Amenities available

    Potable water
    Picnic tables
    Vault toilets

    Activities you can enjoy

    Small, quiet inland lake setting supporting fishing, boating/paddling, basic swimming and wildlife viewing, plus general forest walking/exploring and access to state forest hunting.
    HikingWalking and exploring forest roads and nearby state forest lands; no developed trail system noted for this campground.
    FishingGoose Lake supports pike, bass and panfish; fishing directly from shore or small boats/kayaks.
    SwimmingSmall swimming area / lakeshore access suitable for swimming.
    Boating
    Wildlife viewing
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    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & AlertsAccess road and interior drives can be narrow, rough and include steep hills and sharp turns (may be challenging for larger trailers). Typical Northwoods insects (mosquitos/deer flies) and usual wildlife; cell service may be spotty. No specific recent wildlife incidents are reported.

    Weather at Goose Lake State Forest Campground

    Reviews

    4.6
    63 reviews
    Top-Rated
    Top-Rated
    Goose Lake State Forest Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
    Reviewers commonly praise Goose Lake State Forest Campground as a peaceful, scenic, rustic lakeside campground with good fishing and pleasant, uncrowded sites tucked in mature woods.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 63 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Visitors highlight the tranquil, wooded lakeshore setting, clear water, enjoyable paddling and fishing, well-spaced campsites, and abundant wildlife (loons, deer, eagles, turtles). Several reviewers...
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    Based on 63 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Arrive early on weekends because sites are first-come/first-served; choose lake-side sites for best views and access; bring water treatment or supplies despite hand pumps being present, bring insect...
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    Based on 63 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    “Nice little rustic camp ground. Water is very clear and decent fishing.”; “So peaceful!”; “Beautiful campground... No electricity, or dump station but the price is right.”
    Based on 63 reviews
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    Last updated February 2, 2026
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